Mythinformation and the ideology of technology: a reading from Langdon Winner

Abstract

This article builds on the argument of philosopher of technology Langdon Winner, who asserts that technological artifacts are not neutral, but agents shaped by structures of power. Winner argues that these artifacts possess politics, as they are created through technological choices that reflect, influence, and structure social and political life, potentially transforming or perpetuating forms of organization. The aim is to establish connections between Winner’s concept of mythinformation and contributions from other scholars who analyze how ideological constructions reinforce the political bias of artifacts—especially in the so-called “digital age,” marked by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Furthermore, we highlight the political-economic forces behind these constructions. The article underscores the relevance of Winner’s reflections and contributes to the incorporation of his proposal— spreading critical thinking about the meanings of technology— not only within philosophical studies but also in contemporary communication research.